K-8 LITERACY COACH

Salary: Per the teacher contract

Application Due Date: Until filled

Position Start Date: Beginning of the 2018-2019 school year

Description

The literacy coach position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced coach or classroom teacher who possesses special expertise in literacy and a passionate interest in how children develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The primary goal of the literacy coach is to build capacity for expert literacy instruction in every classroom. The coach will also teach one class next year to establish a model classroom of expert content and differentiated instruction.

Purpose of Position

To provide coaching and support to deepen teacher content knowledge, strengthen literacy instruction specifically in the area of making content accessible to diverse learners, and promote literacy learning across all classrooms.

This position reports to the Assistant Superintendent and supports the functions of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department.

Role

The literacy coach will develop a weekly schedule in collaboration with the building principal that aligns to the unique needs of the school. A primary goal of the literacy coach position is to build capacity for expert and accessible literacy instruction in every classroom.

Qualifications:

• Possesses a Massachusetts teaching certificate; reading specialist licensure is a plus
• Three or more years of successful teaching literacy
• Experience working in a diverse, urban environment preferred
• Knowledge of and experience using SEI strategies and other approaches to differentiate instruction
• Extensive knowledge of the MA state ELA curriculum frameworks
• Strong content and pedagogical knowledge in ELA
• Deep understanding of balanced literacy
• Demonstrated ability to model effective ELA lessons (e.g. aligned to standards, balance of direct instruction and guided practice, differentiation of planning based on data, etc.)
• Experience with standards-based practices and effective use of student data
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with teachers
• Experience providing professional development for teachers

Essential Attributes

• Holds an unwavering belief that every student in Salem can grow and succeed
• Skilled in providing equitable access to the curriculum, particularly in underserved populations
• Able to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a building team
• Has a strong work ethic, is self-directed, and has the ability to work independently
• Self-reflects and accepts feedback with a growth mindset

Responsibilities: Coaching - Building Capacity

• Works with teachers one-on-one and in small groups to plan standards-based lessons, use a wide range of curriculum materials, determine student groupings, and implement research-based instructional strategies to support implementation of district ELA curriculum maps
• When planning with teachers, emphasizes the integration of access points into every lesson using SEI strategies and other approaches for differentiating instruction
• Introduces best practices in the area of ELA through demonstration lessons, co-teaching, co-planning, peer observation, study groups, and professional development workshops
• Builds teacher capacity to interpret and use a range of literacy assessment tools to plan lessons and address individual student needs in the area of literacy
• Supports the process of identifying research-based interventions and screening tools that support tiered instruction
• Articulates goals, practices and district vision for excellence in ELA as needed for staff and parents
• Meets frequently with the building principal to analyze data, complete Instructional Rounds, and discuss next steps for professional development that supports growth in ELA achievement
• Engages in advanced training opportunities designed to strengthen ELA content knowledge, pedagogy, and coaching skills
• Meets with other literacy coaches and the district Teaching and Learning team to share information and best practices
• Supports the school instructional leadership team in monitoring progress toward meeting grade-level and school wide ELA goals
• Provides leadership in preparing and disseminating ELA assessment data
• Prioritize supports for new teachers
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent

Note: The evaluation of teachers is not part of the literacy coach's responsibility, but the literacy coach does provide non-evaluative feedback to teachers.

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Alicia Palmer, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: apalmer@salemk12.org